"Dr. Mattar referred Dr. Rubin to us: when I was close to 30 pounds to my goal. I had stopped loosing weight and I was beginning to feel that I was looking really gross with that big belly flap and saggy thighs. It was only a short time before I got my first appointment with Dr. Rubin. Both my husband and I felt comfortable with Dr. Rubin and that he was very helpful in explaining what all would be done in the surgeries that I wanted done – which was a pannis/tummy tuck, and thigh lift. He also explained what the insurance would pay and what they would not, also the cost for everything too…
At that time, my insurance info was taken and a tentative month for the surgery was planned. I saw Dr. Rubin first the summer, and I really didn’t want surgery like this in hot weather. A few weeks went by and I was told that I was denied and had to have a review. Dr. Rubin had to write the insurance company (or talk to them) about way this was a needed surgery. Weeks went by, and I never heard from them. I called several times and left messages on the secretary’s voice mail – no response. I finally found out that the secretary that I met and was working with left all of a sudden another lady was taking her place. She was great and got everything done so that I was able to have my surgery on the day that was originally planned.
Again, our visit with Dr. Rubin was very informative and he was more than willing to answer all f the question that I had. I had my surgery on Oct. 3 at Montefiore Hospital – was in there from Friday to Monday. And saw Dr. Rubin and others of the staff every day or twice a day.
Post-op care has been very good, and he has always shown a very supportive and that he was interested in you – just not as a patient but as a person that needed his help. One thing that I liked about him is that he never tell you that you what you should have done – he asks what you want done and then goes from there if it is reasonable for what you do need and what you are expectation.
If I ever need more surgery done, I will not hesitate in going to Dr. Rubin or referring others to Dr. Rubin.
"
"09-07-01 I finally got to meet Dr. Schauer, and all that I have read about him is true. He is one of the nicest people that I have meet. He is concerned for you and for what your outcome will be. He is so positive that all you can do it; he said that he will give me the way to lose the weight but it is also up to me. Oh don’t I know that. One main thing that he said that really made me like him even more was he remark when I told him how I found out about him and the surgery. That was through an article in our local newspaper, and he told me that God does work in mysterious ways to lead you where He wants you to go. How very much I believe this.
07-30-01 I have not meet with Dr. Schauer yet, I will meet with him on Sept. 7. My first pre-op consult was with Dr. Ikramuddin.
My first appointment with Dr. Ikramuddin will be March 28. Will tell you more after then.
03-29-01 Well what do I tell you all of Dr. Ikramuddin; He is a super nice man. I felt comfortable with him as soon as he entered the room and smiled and say hello. My husband was with me and he is also very impressed with Dr.Ikramuddin. During our talk, he first explained how the surgery would be preformed and what to expect during and after surgery. He also went over all of the risks that were involved with this surgery.
He also went over the medical history that I previously sent in, and explained that I would require certain tests for the different medical problems that I have. He also did a brief exam and told us that I should be able to have the lap RNY without any problems. Now that was a relief to hear.
To me he seems to be very concerned with you as a person, not just as a future patient. He took time to sit and answer all of the ‘not so bright’ questions that I had, even if he already went over them. I told him that all I wanted to eat was chocolate and at times potato chips and he informed me that those were two things that I would not be eating after the surgery. (Oh Darn) But I understand I and really do not want to experience the ever-dreaded ‘dumping syndrome’. And the Chips, well I can do without them. I know I can and I will.
Dr. Ikramuddin's office staff was also very nice and helpful. Beth, one of the nurses, also spoke to us and went back over a lot of what the doctor told. I was given more info on what to expect post-op and was given plenty of time to ask questions of Beth. Beth shared with us her WLS story and I must tell you that I was so happy to meet face to face a person that has had WLS. It made me feel that YES I can do this....
"
